Law Enforcement

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT - PAGE 2

Law enforcement officers and employees from several states are attending law enforcement training at the Ramkota Hotel in Aberdeen today. The training involves a shooting simulation that allows participants to use a system that enhances their decision-making abilities, marksmanship and tactical skills, according to a news release. The training is not open to the public, but invitations have been sent to more than 75 law enforcement agencies in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. The training is presented by Laser Shot Inc. and is sponsored by rogersoutdoor store.

While law enforcement deaths appear to be on the rise nationally, it's not just criminals who are taking the lives of officers on the streets. According to research done by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the blame also falls on traffic-related incidents. During the first six months of this year, 101 law enforcement officers were killed on the job, the highest mid-year figure since 1978, when there were 105 officer deaths. The most common cause was traffic-related.

Local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement officers from across South Dakota will join in a law enforcement memorial service Wednesday in Pierre. Since 1884, 54 South Dakota law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty. The annual event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at Capitol Lake, followed by a 10:30 a.m. service at the Church of Christ, 323 N. Madison Ave. Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard is the speaker. Details: sodakfop.org.

PIERRE, S.D.- The Sisseton Police Department, the Roberts County Sheriff?s Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation are seeking information regarding the disappearance of Michelle Lynn Lufkins, 38, Sisseton. She was last seen on Friday morning, Nov. 20 at her residence in Sisseton. Due to the unexplained circumstances of her disappearance, Law Enforcement is asking for anyone with information concerning her whereabouts to contact the Roberts County Sheriff?s Office or the Sisseton Police Department dispatch at 605-698-3932.

Officer Mike Flanigan has just a few days left before he retires from the Aberdeen Police Department. But as Flanigan finishes up his duties after more than 25 years as a police officer in Aberdeen, others will need to be hired. Retirements, officers leaving to take jobs with other agencies and officers leaving the profession all together have left Aberdeen with a shortage of law enforcement personnel. Read more about how departments are dealing with retention and recruiting. Read Sunday's American News.

Aberdeen will receive $71,750 for law enforcement as part of the federal stimulus package. Aberdeen will receive this money from the Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, according to news releases from the offices of U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D. In addition, the state itself will receive $3,193,114 in grants, totaling $4,972,500 across the state, according to a release. This grant program allows state and local governments to support a range of activities to prevent and control crime, according to the releases.

South Dakota's crash statistics for 2007 are in, and the news is good. The state had its fewest number of fatal crashes since 1997, and alcohol-related fatalities were down 18 percent from 2006 to 2007, according to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. "I'm pleasantly surprised," said Day County Sheriff Barry Hillestad. "I think that some real strong enforcement by all levels of law enforcement - state, local and county - may have started to make an impact. " From 2006 to 2007, fatal crashes dropped by 25 percent across the state - 172 to 129. The number of people killed in those fatal crashes also decreased - 191 to 145. But the area local officials were especially pleased with with the decrease in alcohol-related fatalities.

Mobridge Police Chief Mike Nehls got a surprise when he asked when his employees would be vaccinated against H1N1. Not anytime soon, he was told by medical personnel where he lives. First, the vaccine had to go to those in five target groups - pregnant women, people who live with or provide care for infants, heath care and emergency medical services personnel, people 6 months to 24 years old and people 25 to 64 who have medical conditions. The list didn't include law enforcement, firefighters or dispatchers.

A House committee will hold a hearing in Lower Brule to discuss law enforcement issues important to South Dakota's nine Sioux tribes, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said Monday. The House Natural Resources Committee will explore how the federal government can better assist tribal governments meet public safety and law enforcement goals, Herseth Sandlin said in a statement. "Tribal governments face unique challenges when confronting difficult and complex law enforcement issues," she said.

As ghouls and goblins take to the streets Wednesday for Halloween, law enforcement officials are urging trick-or-treaters, parents and drivers to take extra precaution to keep loved ones safe. Get tips and read more in Wednesday's American News.